PHYSICAL SCIENCE SIMPLE MACHINES Abney Elementary

 A basic machine that makes up other machines is called a simple machine.

 Efficiency is how well a machine changes effort into useful work.

 A lever is a bar that turns on a fixed point called a fulcrum. (Examples: pry bar, pliers, scissors, see- saw)

 The effort force is the force used when you push or pull a lever.

 A pulley is made up of a rope or chain and a wheel around which the rope fits.

 A pulley that stays in the same place is called a fixed pulley. Fixed pulleys are often used to raise and lower something lightweight such as a flag.

 Multiple pulleys are used to move heavy loads.

 A wheel and axle is made up of a large wheel attached to a smaller wheel or rod.

 Examples of a wheel and axle are a door knob, a fishing reel, and a wheel on a wheelchair.

 Wrapping an inclined plane around a pole makes a screw

 Turning a screw moves things up a spiral ramp.

 An inclined plane is a flat surface that has one end higher than the other. (Example: a ramp)

 The effort force of an inclined plane is applied upward along the plane.

 An inclined plane makes work easier by decreasing the force needed to lift an object.

 Two inclined planes placed back to back form a wedge. (Example: the blade of an ax)

 A wedge pushes things apart while a ramp lifts things.

 Some machines are made up of different kinds of simple machines.

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